Almost Finished

So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.

- Job 5:16, NRSV

I had a meeting today in Middletown, Ohio and on my way home I stopped by Trenton, Ohio where TriState Habitat for Humanity is just finishing up a house. There was a lone volunteer working at the house and I got to talk with him for a few minutes and thank him for all of his work. I told him that I just wanted to take a peek at the house.
I then got to walk through the house. It's been a long time since I was at the house and it was amazing at how far the house has come. I walked in the front door and was just overwhelmed with the miracle that was before my eyes. While not everything is done, it's very close. The walls are all painted. The kitchen cabinets and counter tops are installed. The vinyl is installed and we are not far from installing the carpeting. I walked into every room and said a prayer of thanksgiving for all of the time, donations, and talent that had gone into this house.
This almost finished house is a sign and symbol of God's presence and movement in the world. It is a sign of the kingdom of God in our midst. It is one tangible way that God is busy turning the world upside down. Soon a family will be living in this house. They will move from substandard conditions to a safe, decent, affordable home in which to live. They will also begin to pay it forward with each mortgage payment they make. That money will be used to help TriState Habitat for Humanity build new homes for other families.
As I got back in my car to head home, I paused to thank God for the gift to the world that is Habitat for Humanity. I thank God for the honor and privilege of working with families in need. I thank God for being able to serve and live out the love of God every day at work.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!